[Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: It shall not happen

Read: 2 Corinthians 10:1-6

Meditation verse:

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Most of our fears are based on things that are yet to happen and which may never happen. Isn’t it ironic that we fear that certain events will occur in the future and most times these fears are not founded upon any evidence? People who have a fear of flying fear that something will go wrong, and the aircraft will crash. And yet they have never been in an aircraft that crashed. People who fear the dark are afraid that some evil occurrence will come upon them whilst it is dark. Those battling with the fear of public speaking are afraid that they will mess up before a crowd. Those struggling with the fear of failure are unconsciously preoccupied with the thought that they will fail anyway no matter how hard they try. Those who are afraid of the future fear that something will go terribly wrong with them in the future.

To fear is to be frightened of someone or something. At one time or the other we may entertain some degree of fear, but for some people fear becomes such a significant psychological threat, that they unconsciously sabotage their wellbeing and success in life in a variety of ways. Certain personality traits are prone to fear. Individuals with a high score on the trait, ‘Neuroticism’ which is a long-term tendency to be in a negative emotional state have high anxiety. They worry about things, are often depressed, self-conscious, easily intimidated, impulsive and are vulnerable to strong negative emotions or panic attacks. Naturally, for these kinds of people, fear of almost everything is a given.

Fear can lead to what is known as a self-fulfilling prophecy, where what you fear the most comes to pass. This happened to Job when he said, “What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me” (Job 3:25 NIV). And the reality is that despite the best efforts of others, only you can set yourself free. Fight with the word of God. Memorize and internalise scriptures that will help you. There is a connection between your mind and your actions. As you feed your mind with God’s promises over your life, your fears will be transformed to courage. Watch your thoughts also, focus on what is positive.

Next time you find yourself stopping in your track because of fear, ask yourself ‘what is the worst thing that can happen if I do not fear? This is what The Almighty says in Isaiah 7:7, “It shall not stand, Nor shall it come to pass” (Isaiah 7:7). “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15). You are an heir of God entitled to special privileges. You are part of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a special person (1 Peter 2:9). You are not a fearful cringing slave, so quit acting as one. “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).

As you step out each today, boldly declare: “The Lord is my helper, I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6). Remember always that courage is equally as contagious as fear.

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Pst (Mrs) Oke Chinye, Founder of The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM).

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